Cooley is a leading international law firm in representing both emerging growth companies and venture capital funds in venture capital financings. We provide expertise in every type of transaction, as well as throughout the stages of each transaction. Due to our nationwide on-going representation of leading companies and investors, we are also able to make introductions where appropriate—this level of networking can make the difference for a company in search of funding and can also help venture capital firms find outstanding young companies in which to invest.

Through our work on several hundred venture capital transactions each year, both on the west coast and the east coast, we are able to keep current on—and influence—the emerging trends in market terms of such financings. This exposure allows us to advise companies and investors about alternative financing structures to suit the client's needs as well as issues companies and board members should consider in "down" round scenarios.

Cooley business lawyers also have extensive corporate and securities law expertise in IPOs and mergers and acquisitions, so we are able to review and negotiate venture financing documents with such liquidity events in mind. Additionally, as a full-service law firm, we have the necessary experience to handle any substantive issues that may arise during the due diligence process, including review of patent or licensing issues, employment matters, pending litigation, outstanding debt instruments, real estate transactions or any other material agreements.

Rankings and Accolades

Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst—Most Active Law Firms Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst has continuously named Cooley in the top five of its national Most Active Law Firm list. Rankings are determined by the number of private equity and venture capital deals negotiated and closed per year.

The Legal 50019 Cooley practice areas ranked among the most outstanding in the U.S. in 2014, including Venture Capital and Emerging Companies, Capital Markets-Private Equity and M&A and Buyouts "Top-tier" national ranking in Venture Capital

The RecorderNamed as California's "Top Venture Capital Practice" in 2014